Ex-New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey Returns in ‘Fall to Grace’

(Left to right) Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, and former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey at the New York premiere of HBO documentary ‘Fall to Grace’

Nearly nine years after resigning in scandal as governor of New Jersey, Jim McGreevey was at the Time Warner Center last night to celebrate an HBO documentary chronicling his second act, called “Fall to Grace.”

The film, about McGreevey’s journey from closeted high-profile politician to openly gay spiritual advisor to women in prison, debuts March 28 on HBO. Director Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi) said she has been interested in McGreevey as a subject for a documentary since his political downfall.

“I enjoyed the train wreck just like everyone else watching it on television,” Pelosi said. “I became fascinated by Jim. Fascinated by [the media's] demonization of people you don’t know. It reminded me of one of my mom’s favorite stories about helping a very old woman into a party. The woman kept saying, ‘I know you. I know you. Oh, you are Nancy Pelosi. Remind me, why is it that I hate you so much?’”

Despite her interest in chronicling McGreevy’s journey, the former governor and his partner Mark O’Donnell initially weren’t interested in having a camera document his now very private life. “Alexandra just kept showing up,” McGreevey said during a Q&A following a screening of the film.

When asked if he ever thinks about getting back into the political scene, his reaction was a resounding, “Oy Gevalt!”

“I started as a mayor and I was very grounded. As I ascended I became more removed and distant from the people who I was supposed to be serving. There was a value shift. There was a point in time that it became survival, ego and dollars,” he said.

As for his failed 2011 attempt to join the priesthood, he said he considers his rejection “a blessing.”

“Part of me wanted to be part of another club. Now I’m equal with the women (I advise in prison). I’m just Jim,” he said.